Yes, Vitamin B12 can help with anxiety, especially if you have a deficiency, as it's crucial for nerve function and producing mood-regulating neurotransmitters, but it's a complementary approach, not a standalone cure, and research is ongoing, with doctors recommending it alongside therapy and other proven treatments. Deficiencies are linked to anxiety symptoms, and supplementation may improve mood, but it's vital to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Vitamins B9 and B12 are both thought to treat symptoms of anxiety. Folic acid has many uses in the body, and a vitamin B9 deficiency has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. When taken in conjunction with B12, these B super-vitamins help metabolize serotonin, which is important for mood regulation.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms that affect your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), including:
There's a good reason to make sure you have enough vitamin B12 in your body. It's a key vitamin that helps keep blood and nerve cells healthy, converts food into energy, and contributes to the creation of DNA, the genetic material in all your cells.
Arthritis, one of the leading causes of joint pain can also be worsened due to deficiency of Vitamin B12. Osteoarthritis is a condition wherein the cartilage cushioning the bones, is damaged and so the bones get rubbed against each other and nerves experience more pressure due to the same.
During pregnancy, vitamin B12 is important for the development and function of your baby's brain and spinal cord to prevent serious neural tube defects such as: Spina bifida (baby's spine not forming correctly) Anencephaly (the spinal cord and brain do not form properly)
The diabetic omnivores with higher levels of vitamin B-12 had significantly lower oxidative stress (MDA, p = 0.06) and inflammation (IL-6, p = 0.04) than those with lower levels of vitamin B-12 and the vegetarians (MDA, p = 0.01; hs-CRP, p = 0.03; IL-6, p = 0.02).
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is naturally found in animal foods. It can also be added to foods or supplements. Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells.
Overview. Vitamin B-12 is a vitamin the body uses to make and support healthy nerve cells. It's also used to make healthy red blood cells and the genetic material inside cells called DNA.
Age: Some studies showed that higher B12 levels are associated with better sleep in older adults. However, high levels of vitamin B12 in younger groups can impair sleep quality.2.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
People need vitamin B-12 for the brain to work well. If not treated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to issues with the nerves, brain or spinal cord. These might include lasting tingling in the hands and feet or trouble with balance.
Certain antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders. An anti-anxiety medication called buspirone may be prescribed. In limited circumstances, your doctor may prescribe other types of medications, such as sedatives, also called benzodiazepines, or beta blockers.
Warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale/yellow skin, numbness/tingling (pins and needles), cognitive issues (memory fog, confusion), mood changes (depression/irritability), and a sore, red tongue, alongside potential shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and balance problems, as symptoms develop slowly and can worsen over time. It's crucial to see a GP, as early treatment prevents potentially irreversible neurological damage, say NHS, Cleveland Clinic, and WebMD.
Studies show that people with anxiety disorders often have reduced levels of key nutrients. Deficiencies of B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin D are particularly critical. Anxiety vitamin D is so closely linked that some experts recommend having its levels checked for any anxiety condition.
B12 is a key nutrient for nervous system health. It is important for producing serotonin and dopamine, which are mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. As a result, vitamin B12 can help to prevent and treat depression and anxiety. It can improve focus and memory as well.
Studies show that high vitamin B12 levels may be associated with a lower risk of having obesity, but, again, that doesn't mean that getting vitamin B12 shots will help you lose weight. “If your B12 level is normal, there is little evidence to support that they actually work for these purposes,” Dr. Goodman states.
The foods highest in Vitamin B12 are animal products, with clams and liver (beef, lamb) being exceptionally rich sources, often providing several hundred percent of the daily value in a single serving, alongside seafood like mussels, sardines, and salmon, dairy, eggs, and fortified cereals and nutritional yeast for vegans.
This study provides suggestive genetic evidence for the causal relationships between serum vitamin B12 concentrations and risk of anxiety and bipolar affective disorders. Specifically, genetically determined higher vitamin B12 is associated with a higher risk of anxiety and bipolar affective disorder.
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in making brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins and folate may be linked to depression. Low levels of a vitamin, also called a vitamin deficiency, can happen if you're not eating a balanced diet.
Vitamin B12 isn't just for energy—it's essential for brain health and emotional balance. Research shows its role in easing anxious symptoms by supporting neurotransmitters, nervous system function, and overall mood stability.
Pernicious anemia is a relatively rare autoimmune disorder that causes diminishment in dietary vitamin B12 absorption, resulting in B12 deficiency and subsequent megaloblastic anemia. It affects people of all ages worldwide, particularly those over 60.
Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help address cellular wear and tear that can set off inflammation. You'll find vitamin C in fruits and vegetables, which are the basis of a healthy diet.